3/22/2010

The fine folks at Old Europa Cafe are releasing A Wilderness of Cloades - A collaboration between Nordvargr and myself recorded this past winter. There will be a special limited numbered edition of 300 copies, the first 100 will come in an exclusive wooden box. There are two samples that can be found in the links below. Here is a glimpse of the artwork that Bridget Driessen, my favorite visual artist, composed for the release.

3/14/2010

The Suit & Tie Guy Graphic Sequencer is a Eurorack format step sequencer and is the few (only?) that utilizes sliders. The length of the sequence can be anywhere between 1 to 8 steps, can loop or be a one shot, has a range of 0 to 5 volts, and can be expanded with the gate trigger module. The craftsmanship on this module is exceptional - the sliders are as smooth as butter and yearn to be touched. The front panel is among the best looking from the STG line and the lights at the tips of the sliders was a beautiful touch. The only issue I can think of is that it's simple. At NAMM earlier this year, I was able to spend about 3 minutes with this graphic sequencer and I understood it's functionality before even touching it. That's the issue with this module - it keeps it simple. This is neither a compliment nor criticism, it's just a fact worth noting.

I know people that are left crippled from being given too many options and parameters on instruments, particularly software. This is the same crippling effect I see in self-taught musicians. After learning music theory they are paralyzed with information that has them overanalyzing every interval, note and progression. An overload of information, knobs and options can leave people discouraged and overwhelmed. it the same for modules? I have both the Tip Top Audio Z8000 and the Doepfer A-155/154 combo and they're entirely different from one another but share a complexity that makes them appealing on their own. When I start using both the sequencers at the same time on a complex patch, that's when things get hairy and find myself retracing patch cables to find out whats happening. In the video example you can see that I team the Graphic Sequencer with a Z8000 and its relatively simple to follow.

Is it inspiring or crippling to have a lot of options? This is the question I think about a lot and almost always lean towards the "it's better to have too many options than too little" but in this particular case, the Graphic Sequencer changed my mind. The Graphic Sequencer gives you barebones options which work in favor of it being inspiring, constructive and most importantly straightforward. Don't get me wrong it can conjure up a lot of mayhem with the right amount of Stackables or mults but it its great at making strong patches rather than fumbling around tracing cables. If you're looking for more complicated patches, I'd suggest something else like aforementioned Z8000, A-154/155 combo or the forthcoming RENÉ from Makenoise. There is something that feels 'oldschool' about this sequencer - how it feels really natural to use sliders for note values and how addictive it is to make patterns. If you've used vintage gear or any sequencer for that matter, you'll be right at home with this.

3/11/2010

This isn't really post worthy but a couple neighbor/friends came over yesterday and showed off a bunch of great modules I'll have to put on my list. Though one of them had a hi-hat module which I was half interested/half mocking so I asked for a demonstration. Fast forward 30 minutes and we've synced our systems and began making the most expensive drum machine on the planet.

3/10/2010

This'll be the first time out in a while as I've run out of excuses to not leave my apartment. I'm sure they only asked me to play because they wanted another Asian to make Marousa feel more comfortable. I've just received new modules and will try to put another check in my speaker casualty list. Hope to see you there!